Bea Arthur Dies

by Elizabeth Fairview | April 26th, 2009

Bea Arthur has passed away. (Images)

Maude and Golden Girls Emmy-winning actress Bea Arthur has sadly passed away at 86-years-old.

Arthur's spokesman, Dan Watt, said she died peacefully at her home in the L.A. area in the early morning hours of April 25. She had been suffering from cancer

Rue McClanahan who played Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls issued the following statement about Bea's passing to TMZ: "Thirty-seven years ago she showed me how to be very brave in playing comedy. I'll miss that courage and I'll miss that voice."

Bea Arthur is survived by her two sons, a sister who lives in Canada, and two granddaughters.